Seneca: “Average Man’s Resort”

Seneca: “Average Man’s Resort”. . , As you enjoy the beautiful location where Seneca Creek empties into the Potomac River, know that you are part of a long tradition of folks seeking a respite from hard work at the “good time place” for outdoor fun!, Until the early 20th century, Seneca was a community closely aligned with commerce. The C&O Canal and Seneca Sandstone Quarry and Cutting Mill had been built and provided work for both locals and newly arriving immigrants for generations. Following their closures, the engines of commerce were recycled for recreation. The quarry site was used for picnics while the cutting mill race became a popular place to “bathe”. Today, thousands of hirers and cyclists use the 184-mile canal tow path once occupied by mules pulling barges in a national park which stretches from Georgetown, D.C. to Cumberland, Maryland., By the start of World War I,this secluded place became a popular recreational area and small summer cottages began to line Riley’s Lock Road. A front porch was the idea setting for fishing or birdwatching. For out-of-town visitors, Seneca boasted the “Hotel Seneca”, which operated until the 1970s. Guests could rent boats from Delphey’s Marina to ride on the Rotomac River., In time, year-round homeowners complained about the commercialization of recreation in Seneca. On weekends, cars with boat trailers congested the area as Seneca became one of the last remaining spots along the Potomac River with public access. Accommodations at Seneca Creek State Park, which opened in 1958, were filled to capacity., Following the aftermath of Hurricane Agnes in 1972, M-NCPPC brought half of the homes damaged by flooding to create more parkland adjacent to that owned by the state and federal governments. Today, the 20-acre park has two improvements found along Seneca Creek – an accessible canoe/kayak launch and a boat ramp. Montgomery Parks is committed to ensuring everyone has access to this location, once described as “the most peaceful spot imaginable.”, What type of fun will you have here today? , “Living in Seneca is like taking a vacation every day…You can ice skate in the winter, fish from you front porch or just sit and watch the creek go By.” – Resident Clara Elfish, 1971, [Captions:] , The first summer home in Seneca was built in 1913 for the Seneca Camp Club. This group used money they won from a Good Housekeeping competition to buy chestnut lumber from Fred Allnutt’s sawmill in Seneca to construct their two-story “permanent shack”., When it froze during the winter, Seneca Creek provided a community space for children to skate and Parents to enjoy hot beverages., Vacationers to Seneca enjoyed everything from outdoor grilling to relaxing while taking in nature., Canoeing on Seneca Creek allowed visitors to admire the ca, 1832 Seneca Aqueduct that carried water into the District of Columbia., Being outdoors can be incredibly therapeutic – for both the mind and the body. It is also a great way to make new friends and be part of a larger community. For example Team River Runner facilitates paddle sports at this location for veterans and their families to “find health, healing, community purpose and New Challenges.” – Team River Runner helping our wounded veterans, Calleva introduces families to the Potomac River in a “war canoe”. Seneca Creek is a great place to stage and enter the Potomac with novice boaters.